Important Notice for the Service of David 'Doc' Rather
Due to limited occupancy numbers and the guidelines associated with the Pandemic we highly encourage everyone to consider viewing the service via live stream on the Jones Family Mortuary Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JonesFamilyMortuary or on the DCHS Live Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DCTVcrew/video. If you are planning on attending the visitation or the celebration of life, masks will be required for entry.
Jack David Rather was born on November 12th, 1949 to Mary Olyne and Paul W. Rather. He grew up on Division Street in Indianapolis. David had two older brothers, Paul Lee and Jim along with a younger sister and brother, Nancy and Chris. In Junior High, his parents moved to Edwards Avenue in Decatur Township. He went on to graduate from Decatur Central High School in 1967. David then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science in Education and Specialist in Education from Indiana University.
In 1970, David married Kathleen Auble, who also graduated from Decatur Central High School. They were Goldenaires partners and worked at Linder's Ice Cream Store. They shared a love of sports, travel, family and friends, but most of all their two children, Brooke (Ellis) and Brad Rather. It was also during this time that David enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve, serving 6 years, ending with an Honorable Discharge.
David went on to have a long and successful career in Education. Starting in 1972 at George Washington High School in Indianapolis as a teacher and athletic trainer. He was part of the 1974 State winning football team. From there he went to Decatur Central, where he would remain from 1977-2010. David served many roles at Decatur Central including teacher, athletic trainer, assistant principal, athletic director, director of operations, and assistant superintendent.
David was a positive force for his students, faculty and community. He strove to make an impact any way he could within the Decatur Township family. His accomplishments and awards are to many to list. The highlight being the dedication of Decatur Central High School Gymnasium in his name, The David "Doc" Rather Gymnasium. He truly loved Decatur Central.
After retirement, he remained involved with DCHS Athletics. Until a good friend introduced him to the Beech Grove Hornet family, where he served as an administrative consultant. He thrived within this community and made a positive impact with staff and students.
David is survived by his wife, Kathy Rather; Son Brad (Angie) Rather; daughter, Brooke Ellis; grandchildren: Ally Blevins, Andrew Ellis, and Evan Ellis; Brothers: Jim (June) Rather, and Chris (Roxanne) Rather; Sister, Nancy (Rick) Sauer; In Laws: Joan (Auble) and Barry Hoover, Deanna (Auble) Everhart and Suzie (Auble) Mathis; many nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. David is preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother, Paul Lee Rather.
Family and friends may show their love and support from 3 to 8 pm on Tuesday, February 16th at Jones Crossing Banquet Center, 4161 East Allison Road, Mooresville, Indiana 46158. A celebration of life service will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, February 17th with a calling from 12 (Noon) to 1 pm at the David "Doc" Rather Gymnasium at the Decatur Central High School, 5251 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana 46221. Doc will be laid to rest at West Newton Cemetery in West Newton.
With the new instructions issued by the State allowing gatherings up to 50 people, we welcome friends to pay respects while continuing to follow social distancing guidelines and proper mask wearing. You may be asked to wait outside the building as we comply with this mandate.
If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers in David's memory, you may do so by donating to, www.DTEdFoundation.net, they provide teachers grants in Decatur Township and the Decatur Township Scholarship Association (DTSA) provides student scholarships. Both can receive mail at 5275 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46221.
To send a condolence to the family or to share a story about Doc, please visit: www.jonesfamilymortuary.com